County Conservation Director

County of Door; Sturgeon Bay (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Door seeks a seasoned executive to administer the Soil and Water Conservation Department, providing leadership on budget development, staff oversight, policy enforcement, and stakeholder coordination. The role integrates scientific expertise, regulatory enforcement, and public engagement within Door County’s karst geology and peninsula landscape.

The position directs public engagement, field operations, and cross-agency collaboration to advance conservation initiatives while ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in natural resource-related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of governmental program and budget management experience.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Administers department operations, ensuring policy implementation and regulatory compliance.
• Supervises staff; oversees recruitment, training, performance management, and development.
• Manages a complex department budget with multiple revenue streams and prudent finances.
• Prepares and manages grants and cost-share programs with reporting and compliance.
• Coordinates cross-agency partnerships and public-private conservation networks.
• Conducts scientific assessments of soil, water, and land; develops abatement strategies.
• Investigates land use violations and enforces County ordinances; advises LCC and regulatory bodies.
• Represents the County in legal proceedings and legislative discussions on land/water conservation.
• Leads public engagement through meetings, publications, and consultations with governments and residents.
• Oversees field equipment, facilities, and tools for department services.
• Serves on state/regional committees to influence policy and advocate conservation interests.
• Directs internal/external communications, including outreach and media relations.

Skills

Leadership & Supervision

Analytical Thinking

Public Administration

Communication

Regulatory Enforcement

Collaboration

Grant Management

Technical Proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Geology, Watershed Management, Soils, or related field

Master’s degree in a natural resources-related discipline

Tools

CADD

GIS

Job description

County of Door seeks a seasoned executive to administer the Soil and Water Conservation Department, providing leadership on budget development, staff oversight, policy enforcement, and stakeholder coordination. The role integrates scientific expertise, regulatory enforcement, and public engagement within Door County’s karst geology and peninsula landscape.

The position directs public engagement, field operations, and cross-agency collaboration to advance conservation initiatives while ensuring